How can Real Madrid dominate the Champions League without dominating La Liga?

Once upon a time, long before the European Cup was refashioned into the expanded Champions League format, the requirement for entry were simple: you had to be the reigning champion of your domestic league.

These days, however, domestic success doesn’t always correlate with continental glory. Real Madrid have won four of the last five Champions League titles, while claiming just a single Liga title in that period.

How can a team dominate in Europe’s big club contest but fail to make the grade at home?

Check out FC Yahoo’s explanation of this phenomenon—and be sure to leave your thoughts below the line.